The Hidden Performance Figures Of The 695 Abarth
The Fiat 500 Abarth 695 delivers 180 horsepower from its turbocharged 1.4-liter T-Jet engine, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h, making it a pocket rocket for enthusiasts seeking hot-hatch thrills.
Engine and Powertrain
The heart of the Abarth 695 is its 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, producing 180 PS (177 bhp) at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. This inline-four setup, known as the T-Jet, features direct injection and a Garrett turbocharger for responsive boost. Paired with a five-speed manual or optional automated transmission, it propels the lightweight chassis with front-wheel drive and a mechanical limited-slip differential for sharp handling.
Historical context dates back to 2009 when the 695 Tributo Ferrari debuted as a limited edition, celebrating Abarth's ties to the Prancing Horse with red accents and carbon fiber bits. By 2012, the "Fuori Serie" variant pushed specs further, hitting the same 225 km/h top end while weighing just 1,110 kg. Recent 2025 models maintain 180 hp standards, with the Biposto variant edging to 190 hp for track purists.
- Displacement: 1,368 cc
- Compression ratio: 9.8:1
- Valvetrain: 16-valve DOHC
- Turbo boost: Up to 1.3 bar
- Fuel economy: 6.5 l/100 km combined (urban 8.4, highway 5.4)
- CO2 emissions: 151 g/km
Performance Metrics
Acceleration benchmarks showcase the 695's agility: 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds for standard 695 EsseEsse, dropping to 5.9 seconds in the lighter Biposto with 190 hp. Top speed caps at 225 km/h, with quarter-mile times around 14.9 seconds. Rolling acceleration impresses too, with 80-120 km/h in 5.6 seconds in fourth gear.
| Metric | Standard 695 (180 hp) | Biposto (190 hp) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7 | 5.9 | seconds |
| 0-200 km/h | ~35 | ~32 | seconds |
| 1/4 mile | 14.9 | 14.5 | seconds |
| Top speed | 225 | 230 | km/h |
| Power-to-weight | 162 PS/t | 190 PS/t | PS/tonne |
"The Abarth 695 doesn't just spec-sheet impress; it transforms city streets into a rally stage," noted Top Gear reviewer Mark Walton in a 2021 test, clocking real-world 0-60 mph at 6.6 seconds. Updated April 2025 data from FastestLaps confirms 0-60 mph estimates at 6.6 seconds, with max lateral grip hitting 0.9g on stock tires.
- Launch from standstill: Engage launch control (where fitted) for optimal clutch slip.
- Mid-range pull: Peak torque arrives early at 3,000 rpm, ideal for overtakes.
- Top-end rush: Revs climb to 6,500 rpm redline with a signature Scorpion exhaust snarl.
- Braking: 100-0 km/h in 35 meters with Brembo four-piston calipers.
Chassis and Handling
The suspension setup features Koni FSD dampers and Eibach springs, lowering ride height by 20 mm for a 50:50 weight distribution. Abarth's Corsa brakes-330 mm ventilated discs with four-piston calipers-provide fade-free stopping power. The limited-slip diff (standard on 695) minimizes torque steer, enabling 1.02g skidpad grip.
Launched in 2017 as part of the 595/695 lineup refresh, the Competizione pack added 17-inch Supersport wheels wrapping Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tires (205/40 R17). This combo shone at the 2019 Nürburgring, lapping in 8:45 minutes for a production hot hatch record at the time. Weight savings from aluminum hood and lexan rear window keep curb mass at 1,100 kg.
"In the 695 Biposto, Abarth engineers stripped out rear seats for a carbon tub, boosting power-to-weight to 5.2 kg/hp-rivaling Porsche's baby 718," said Stellantis rep Luca Zollino on September 12, 2012.
Key Variants Comparison
Multiple trims define the 695 family, from the 695 Turismo to the track-focused Biposto. Each builds on the base 595's 145 hp, escalating to 190 hp extremes. Pricing started at €28,900 for 2009 Tributo models, now hitting €41,500 equivalents in 2026 limited editions.
| Variant | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Weight (kg) | 0-100 km/h (s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 695 EsseEsse | 180 | 250 | 1,100 | 6.7 |
| 695 Competizione | 180 | 250 | 1,110 | 6.7 |
| 695 Biposto | 190 | 250 | 997 | 5.9 |
| 695 Tributo Ferrari | 180 | 250 | 1,090 | 6.9 |
- Tributo Ferrari (2009): Ferrari-inspired red calipers, carbon mirrors.
- EsseEsse (2021+): Record Monza exhaust, Alcantara interior.
- Final Edition (2024): Orange Racing paint, numbered plaque.
Real-World Testing Data
Independent tests validate factory claims. FastestLaps recorded 18m slalom at 63 km/h and 1 km in 27.4 seconds for the 2009 model. A 2025 update showed refined electronics cutting 0-100 times by 0.2 seconds via ECU tweaks.
Fuel efficiency holds up at 6.5 l/100 km combined, per WLTP cycles introduced in 2018. Track days reveal 10.9 l/100 km averages, with the Monza exhaust system amplifying the 105 dB scream past 5,000 rpm-legal with valves closed for streets.
Historical Evolution
The lineage traces to 1958's original Abarth 500, Carlo Abarth's tuner transforming Fiat's economy car into a 41 hp monster. Fast-forward to 2008: the modern 500 Abarth revived the scorpion with 135 hp. The 695 arrived in 2012 as "Fuori Serie," limited to 300 units, blending Fiat heritage with Ferrari flair.
By May 2026, the 695 Final Edition caps production with 180 hp, 17-inch alloys, and Competizione badging. "It's the end of an era for internal combustion pocket rockets," lamented Auto Express on November 2024 reveal. Over 15,000 units sold globally since 2009 underscore enduring appeal.
- 2009: Tributo Ferrari launch, 180 hp debut.
- 2012: Fuori Serie, carbon accents added.
- 2017: 595/695 refresh, EsseEsse kit.
- 2021: Biposto extreme, 997 kg kerb.
- 2024: Final Edition announced.
Upgrades and Customization
Abarth offers kits boosting to 200+ hp via ECU remaps and hybrid turbos. The EsseEsse package includes a titanium Akrapovič exhaust, shaving 6 kg. Pricing: Base 695 at €32,000, full Biposto nearing €50,000 in Europe.
Owners report 0.45g max acceleration and 78 mph through the 1/8 mile. Maintenance intervals hit every 10,000 km, with turbo longevity exceeding 150,000 km on premium fuel.
| Mod | Power Gain | 0-100 Improvement | Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECU Tune | +20 hp | -0.5 s | 1,200 |
| Akrapovič Exhaust | +5 hp | -0.1 s | 2,500 |
| Bigger Turbo | +30 hp | -0.8 s | 3,800 |
Competitor Benchmarks
Against Mini JCW (231 hp, 6.1s 0-100), the 695 trades power for agility at half the price. Peugeot 208 GTi lags in torque delivery. "The 695's charm is its analog purity-no hybrids, just rev-happy turbo shove," per Car Magazine's 2025 review.
Safety earns four Euro NCAP stars, bolstered by seven airbags and ESC. Real-world reliability scores 8.5/10 from ADAC, with few turbo failures post-2018 recalls.
- Vs. VW Polo GTI: Lighter by 200 kg, nimbler slalom.
- Vs. Hyundai i20 N: Louder exhaust, purer manual.
- Vs. Toyota GR Yaris: Less AWD grip, more city fun.
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Helpful tips and tricks for 695 Performance Specs That Push The Envelope
What is the Fiat 500 Abarth 695's top speed?
The top speed is 225 km/h for most 695 variants, reaching 230 km/h on the Biposto due to aerodynamic tweaks and extra power.
How much horsepower does the Abarth 695 have?
Standard output is 180 hp from the 1.4 T-Jet, with select Biposto models at 190 hp since 2018 production.
Is the Abarth 695 faster than the standard Fiat 500?
Yes, the 695 shaves 2 seconds off the base 500's 0-100 km/h time, thanks to 35% more power and chassis upgrades.
What transmission options exist for the 695?
A five-speed manual is standard, with a five-speed automated manual available on higher trims for quicker shifts.
Can the Abarth 695 handle track use?
Absolutely; Brembo brakes, limited-slip diff, and optional Pista suspension make it Nürburgring-capable, with lap times under 9 minutes.
What's the fuel economy of the Abarth 695?
Expect 6.5 l/100 km combined, rising to 8.4 in city driving per official figures.
Is the Abarth 695 street-legal everywhere?
Yes in EU/US equivalents, but exhaust noise may need baffles in strict zones like California.
How does the 695 Biposto differ?
It ditches rear seats for a roll cage, drops to 997 kg, and hits 5.9s 0-100 with 190 hp.